October 2022 marked another Breast Cancer Awareness month.
It is not a stretch to suggest that many people in our community have been touched by the scourge of breast cancer, either themselves or someone that they know and love.
One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life and one in 1000 men will also develop or be diagnose with breast cancer.
Approximately 80% of women in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50.
I want to take a moment to reflect on the younger cohort of those diagnosed with breast cancer – they make up about 5% of all women diagnosed and there are a number of impacts that are unique to these patients.
Firstly, there is the impact of diagnose during pregnancy, which can affect treatment options.
Treatment options also have impacts on future pregnancies, particularly treatments that hasten menopause.
I want to acknowledge the work of the charity So Brave for the work it does with young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
So Brave operates networks for young women diagnosed with breast cancer and raises funds to educate women on breast cancer awareness.
So Brave also works with researchers to support a better understanding of breast cancer and how to support women who are diagnosed.
Since Breast Cancer Awareness Month last year, the organisation has received support from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and I was pleased to join the women from the Queensland Police Service South Eastern Region rugby team in raising $10,000 for the charity.
As October has passed, I do want to take a further opportunity to acknowledge the survivors of breast cancer, their families and friends, and the healthcare workers dedicated to supporting those with breast cancer.
As a community, I would encourage us all to take time out of our lives to consider the impact that cancer, and specifically breast cancer can have on the day-to-day actions we often take for granted.
To support cancer research, visit the cancer.org website or visit So Brave to support their efforts in assisting women diagnosed with breast cancer.
